r/cruisers • u/CockroachExpress4410 • 2d ago
Stratoliner vs Raider
I need a cruiser/chopper for long distance travel and often it will be with two people on it. I really like how the Raider looks but the obvious choice for what I am asking for is the Stratoliner. My question is if there is anyone that used the Raider for longer travel and can it support two people in a way that it is comfortable?
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/CockroachExpress4410 2d ago
I still want to see if there is someone who used the Raider for this with some aftermarket parts intended for comfort of course, since it is pretty much the same V twin just different design.
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u/svngang 2d ago
Pretty sure the lack of responses is your answer. But you seem to have your heart set on the raider so get it. Motorcycling isn’t really a rational sort of hobby. The heart wants what the heart wants. There are people that have done two up road trips on sportsters.
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u/Dimmasvaerd 2013 Harley Sportster 1200 1d ago
Hell, I used to know a guy that rode to all four corners of the US on a hard tail Sportster. Made my back hurt looking at that bike. 😆
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u/ferdelance008 2d ago
Unfortunately, I can’t help you too much.I have used my raider for a couple of 2700+ mile trips. It acquitted itself well. But they were solo trips. I had no other storage except for the bags I put on the passenger seat and just behind it. I also added a real but detachable windshield.
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u/mmceorange 2d ago
Why not Eluder?
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u/CockroachExpress4410 1d ago
It is a nice bike but it looks like something I would ride once I get older. I am in my 20s at the moment and I would prefer something more agressive looking
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u/mmceorange 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ah yeah fair enough. It can be aggressive with pipes and tune, but it's always going to be heavier than the other bikes you're considering.
I've seen some people get the Raider front wheel onto a Stratoliner which looks nice.
I also have a 2015 Stryker Bullet Cowl, with Ivan's tune, 240 rear tire, intake, exhaust, and underdrive front pulley (from a Yamaha Bolt), and it puts a smile on my face while being lighter and easier to handle than the Raider. With the upgrades it accelerates just as quickly too. And being water cooled it never gets hot.
But, same kind of thing.. you'd need an aftermarket seat for any chance of passenger comfort. And the smaller engine wouldn't be as good at pulling two people along as a 1900.. I never have a passenger on mine, that's what the Eluder is for
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u/-mysticalknight- 2d ago
I mean you can just l look at both seats and tell which is better for a long distance with a passenger
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u/CockroachExpress4410 2d ago edited 2d ago
Stratoliner does that better but as I said I prefer the Raider much more
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u/-mysticalknight- 2d ago
I would say you know yourself the kind of riding you do if you ride with a passenger once a week or once every 2 days, etc Maybe the stratoliner is to dressed up to you would say take a look at the Yamaha roadliner its the same as stratoliner just less dressed up
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u/Ok_Cable4757 22h ago
Used to have a Raider. While it certainly can do what you’re wanting, I’d recommend looking at something else. They haven’t been manufactured in almost a decade. Even when they were in production, the aftermarket market support was not great.
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u/CockroachExpress4410 15h ago
I am aware they are no longer in production but these V twins are bulletproof so it does not bother me. I have a Yamaha XVS 950 2009 at the moment and these things do not cause issues and cost nothing to maintain. I plan on getting a 2014 Raider and I would not care if it was even older. As much as I would like to buy something after 2020s the styling of the Raider is simply beautifull to me
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u/Ok_Cable4757 8h ago
Believe me, I know. I never had any problems with mine, but it’s not just the engine. Good luck finding bags, windshield, sissy bar, etc.
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u/ShrekFanboy37 2d ago
Took my raider on a 4k miles round trip and it was fairly comfortable. However anytime I've had a passenger they've said the rear seat feels like a brick.
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u/CockroachExpress4410 2d ago
Im going to risk it and go for the Raider if thats the case. Im sure there is a good aftermarket seat that solves the issue. Appriciate the feedback
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u/ShrekFanboy37 2d ago
Mustang seats are always a good option but they're very expensive
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u/CockroachExpress4410 2d ago
no such thing as too expensive for a bike that will give me life long fun
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u/ShrekFanboy37 2d ago
True but the 800 dollars for a seat will still hurt your pocket😂
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u/mmceorange 1d ago
Fair, but the money you saved by not buying a Harley more than makes up for it lol
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u/CockroachExpress4410 16h ago
Tell me about it. I like Harleys but the price for the bike you get is a bit delusional
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u/Woodit 2008 Raider S 2d ago
Yes the raider can support two comfortably for long distance, but you’ll need a new seat and adequate luggage and either a windshield or fairing. I’ve done cross country on my Raider solo including 1000+ miles in a day. Accessories will be what makes the difference for long distance. I recommend a wild ass pad for any super long distance days to avoid sore butts. Strat is a great bike too of course but let’s be real….raider looks cooler.
Biggest downside imo is the tank. 120-150 miles between fills means a lot of stopping on a road trip.